Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Giving Up Rushing...

There's a reason I named my blog "Peaceful Gatherings." There's a reason I favor taking pictures that represent "tranquility." It's not because I am this naturally peaceful and relaxed person. No sir-ee... It's because I am ADDICTED to RUSHING!

It's a strange thing really. I am a stay at home wife and mom. Yes, I homeschool and yes my kids are involved in a few activities and we are active in our church. But, for much of my day, I am living according to a self-imposed schedule.

However, I always have a grand list in my head of what I want to get done and when I want to have it done by. And let me tell you, there aren't enough hours in the day!! I can remember years ago that I would have women who worked full time AND had a husband and kids ask me, "What do you DO all day?" Believe me, I would look at them like they had 5 heads!!! LOL!! I once told my husband (actually, more than once) that I feel like from the time my feet hit the floor until the time I go to bed that I am running a sprint. I really can't imagine ever being bored.

Well, at 45 years old, this train is slowin' down! I've blown 2 disks in my back (that I know of) and I'd like to keep the rest of them. Plus, as I grow in age and hopefully maturity, I am beginning to realize that there are better ways to live. :) (Light dawns over marble head...)

One problem with being addicted to rushing is that I rush everyone else too. I drive my whole family through their day, often times. I am wringing my hands to get us all from point A to point B, obsessing over all the details along the way.

So, I am seeking to hang up my "Super-Spastic Woman" Cape and don a "Super-Peaceful Woman" Cape! I am trying, trying to slooooooow down, to stop worrying and TRUST (there's my word for the year) that God is really the One in control and He's working it all out. No, I don't wish to take up laziness...but to lay down "frazzled-ness". I don't want to just enjoy the list of checked-off items, I want to enjoy the journey it took to get there.

2 comments:

I can relate to you a little bit. Even though I'm only 20 and I don't have a husband and kids to run around lol.

I feel the way you do sometimes. I did yesterday. Everytime I'd try to sit down to knit and relax, the dryer would buzz or my mom would call for me. lol. It gets pretty frazzeling. (Not sure if that is a real word or not...) :D

Oh, Karen, been there...done that...designed and hand sewed the T-shirt! Sometimes it is very difficult to get our minds to "slow down"...perhaps it is just our nature as women...to feel that we need to take care of everything...yesterday! I've found, as I've traveled this path, that the more simpler we make our lives...the less hectic and frenzied I feel. A no brainer for sure...but it took me a long while to truly get it. So, now, we live a very simple life...and try daily to make it more simple.

Looks like Portland again! We live about 1 1/2 hours north of Portland, down on one of the peninsulas. I'm sure it's raining where you are...so today, I'm enjoying the woodstove and sewing.

About Me

Hi! Welcome! This blog represents as much of my own spiritual life journey as I can share publically as well as my reflections in looking back over what I have learned through the years. I am a wife, homeschooling mom of 7 kids and most importantly, a follower of Jesus. There is a peace that comes in knowing you are a friend of God, of knowing you are living His way and doing what He has created you to do. I am running hard after a life of peace. Walking partners are welcome! :)You can write to me at karen.twombly@gmail.com